The Archdiocese of Wellington has been running the Tuākana Youth Ministry programme since 2020. This is a year-long paid programme where a young person is based in one of the Catholic colleges in the Diocese, to walk alongside students and support them on their faith journey. The Tuākana are a part of the Archdiocese’s Young Church team.
In 2023 there are four young people on this programme: Nia Foliaki, Tim Ale, Nick Meli and Sofia Mendoza. Nia and Tim were on the programme last year and came back for a second year to continue the work they had started last year. “I could still see opportunities for me to make a difference.”
Nia Foliaki – based St Catherine’s College, Kilbirnie.
Kia ora, my name is Nia. I came back to the Tuākana role this year based at St Catherine’s because I could still see opportunities for me to make a difference after being at the College in this role last year. I was approached by the Head Girl, Ella Cessford, for 2023 who asked me to support her to build a faith community with more collaboration with St Patricks. Outside of this role, I like playing sport, and this year I’ll be playing netball. No contact sports for me this year!
Tim Ale – based at Chanel College, Masterton.
Kia ora, my name is Tim AKA Tim Tam! I came back to the Tuākana role this year because I wanted to continue to develop youth, watch them grow and gain more experience. I only came in halfway through last year and I wanted to continue to walk alongside the students this year. My main hopes for this year are to see more young people grow, to support them to continue to grow in their own space and to create a comfortable space for them to do that. One thing that is important to me at the moment is to say positive things to myself each day to help me start off the day right.
Sofia Mendoza – based at Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt.
Kia ora and Mabuhay! I am one of your Tuākana for 2023! I’m currently a student at Victoria University , studying psychology and education. I have been assigned to Sacred Heart College for my Tuākana placement this year. In my spare time I’m into creative writing, music and dance.
My hope for this year is to build new connections and relationships with my students and to make an impact on young Catholics. I’m also excited to learn more about my faith and journey towards God.
I decided to apply for this role after being part of the Youth Mass in Petone in 2022. My youth group was called to be the choir for this mass. At this mass Louise spoke about the Tuākana role and my friends said “that sounds just like you!” so I decided to apply. I also felt it connected well to my study and I wanted to see how I could apply what I have studied in a school role.
Nick Meli – based at Bishop Viard College, Porirua
Kia ora, my name is Nick. I used to go to Bishop Viard College as a student myself and came back 3 or so years ago working part-time as a teacher aide. Throughout that time I got to know the whole class. I applied for this role because I want to help the young guys. The Principal and DRS at Bishop Viard suggested I apply as well. I’m glad this role came up because I feel like it fits perfectly – I’m not a counsellor, not a teacher, not a student but someone to build connections and walk alongside everyone. This year I’m hoping to break down barriers with students who I know don’t always feel comfortable with expressing themselves especially with pressures like social media, so I want to break that down. Some of the things I enjoy doing are artwork, music and singing. Tim and I will probably do a collaboration at some point too!
If you are interested in being a Tuākana in 2023 please email youth@wn.catholic.org.nz for more information.